The Solomons nightjar is a species of nightjar in the family Caprimulgidae. It is found in the Solomon Islands archipelago. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical dry forests. It avoids human activity, and is nocturnal.
Region
Solomon Islands archipelago
Typical Environment
Occurs in lowland and coastal habitats across parts of the Solomon Islands, especially in dry or open forest, forest edge, and scrub. It forages over clearings, tracks, and along shorelines, returning to roost on leaf litter or bare ground by day. The species avoids densely settled areas and generally shuns bright artificial lighting. Nesting typically takes place on sparsely vegetated ground with good camouflage.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 700 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Solomons nightjar is a cryptic, nocturnal eared-nightjar of the Solomon Islands, spending daylight hours motionless on the ground or low branches where its mottled plumage provides superb camouflage. It hunts aerial insects over forest edges, clearings, and coastal areas at dusk and night. Like many nightjars, it lays a single egg directly on the ground without building a nest. It is sensitive to disturbance and tends to avoid areas with heavy human activity.
Temperament
solitary and secretive
Flight Pattern
buoyant moth-like flight with short bursts and glides
Social Behavior
Mostly solitary outside the breeding period; forms pairs during breeding. Nests consist of a single egg placed directly on the ground, relying on camouflage. Adults perform distraction displays if approached near the nest.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A soft, repetitive churring or trilling series delivered at night from a perch or during short display flights. Also gives low whistles and harsh contact notes while foraging.
Plumage
Cryptic mottled mix of browns, greys, and buff with fine streaking and bars; very camouflaged against leaf litter.
Diet
Feeds primarily on flying insects such as moths, beetles, and other nocturnal arthropods. Captures prey on the wing using a wide gape and fine rictal bristles to help funnel insects. Foraging often concentrates where insects are abundant, such as along edges, over clearings, and above water.
Preferred Environment
Hunts over forest edges, open woodland, secondary growth, tracks, and coastal fringes. Roosts on the ground or low branches in shaded, sparsely vegetated spots with leaf litter.
